ADHD Video Call Diagnosis – A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
Patients are being diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video call assessments in private clinics according to a BBC Panorama investigation has found. The undercover investigation was conducted following tips received. Numerous patients and whistleblowers were interviewed.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really working?
Why do I require an individual diagnostic?
If you think you or someone you know has ADHD, it’s important to find a professional who can accurately assess your health and provide the necessary treatment. Many people prefer to utilize the NHS but an individual diagnosis is often more precise and can save time and money.
There are concerns that the NHS is struggling to cope with the current demand for its services for how adhd diagnosed assessments. Patients are forced to wait weeks or months to get an appointment. This can be extremely distressing for those who are affected. Many believe that the NHS assessment services aren’t as efficient as they could be.
In the face of these challenges it’s not surprising that more adults are opting to go for an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered by some private clinics. The undercover documentary revealed that some clinics rushed through tests over the phone and telling patients that they had ADHD when, in reality, they did not.
A private assessment will usually begin with a set of screening questionnaires you must complete and return to your doctor. The tests are designed to determine if you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD and are standardised. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not you should attend an entire diagnostic appointment.
The clinician will then assess your medical history and family history as and the effects of ADHD symptoms on your daily life. The clinician will also perform a physical exam and cognitive test. Based on your situation, you will then be diagnosed with ADHD and given an outline treatment plan.
After you are diagnosed with ADHD your doctor will submit documents to your GP for a shared care agreement. This will enable you to continue receiving NHS medication (only paying the NHS prescription cost) while also seeing your private clinician for ongoing appointments and CBT therapy when needed.
What is the outcome if I don’t receive an answer to my question?
If you suffer from ADHD an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment can make a huge difference. The NHS can be slow and difficult when it comes to diagnosing ADHD. Some adults are unable where to diagnose adhd wait that long and instead turn to private specialists for their assessment. This can save time and stress, but it’s important to realize that this isn’t a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A specialist who has experience diagnosing ADHD can give more detailed evaluations than a psychiatrist working for the NHS. This could include a medical examination and tests like hearing or vision. This could include check-lists and questionnaires. The person conducting the assessment will also inquire about your family background and social and medical history in addition to asking about your symptoms. They could also use the standard ADHD scales for rating, and may ask your teachers or caregivers to evaluate you.
When assessing adult ADHD the doctor will look at five or more symptoms that have been present for at least six months and are severe enough to interfere in work or family life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are related to mental health issues in other ways. For instance, depression and anxiety can cause ADHD-like symptoms. They will also assess your social and work history to rule out any issues such as financial difficulties or a history of abuse, and alcohol or drug misuse.
During your NHS assessment you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not meet the criteria for ADHD. They will explain their reasoning and you may request a second assessment if you disagree with their conclusion.
Anyone who is diagnosed of ADHD privately may choose to discuss it with their GP. The GP can then refer the person back to share management via the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can access medication this way. Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe ADHD medications due to the fact that they aren’t experts in the condition or because it’s costly.
What if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your doctor must be considerate and sensitive to your feelings and concerns. They’ll know that untreated ADHD can cause major problems for families and individuals. If your clinician doesn’t agree with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative treatment options or diagnoses that might be more appropriate for you.
If your clinician decides that you don’t meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, they will provide the reasons for this. It could be that you haven’t given enough details about your difficulties or they may think that another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If you’re not satisfied with this decision, you can ask for an additional opinion from a different physician or refer your case to the NHS complaints procedure.
If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS care waiting times for an appointment can be lengthy and it’s worth pondering the possibility that your physician may find the process difficult. The NHS is stretched to its limits and it’s not the fault of the people involved.
GPs are trying to navigate the complicated process of diagnosing ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence as a whole). They must be sure they are offering a robust service that is safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care that are set by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama’s expose has revealed that some private clinics are using short cut diagnostic methods and this could put patients at risk. This is a national tragedy and a valid reason to think about alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma associated with being diagnosed with adhd as an adult diagnosed with ADHD can make it harder for some people to receive a diagnosis. This is especially true if they are ethnically minorities or born female or have other social and health circumstances that can affect the way medical professionals assess the symptoms they have.
We can help you if feel your life is negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our specialists are skilled in identifying ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to address your concerns. You can schedule an appointment via our website or give us an email to find out how to get an adult adhd diagnosis we might be able to assist you.
What happens If you don’t want me to take my medication?
You can be diagnosed in case you’re worried about ADHD symptoms, but don’t wish to take medication. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. You can request a referral from your GP to be evaluated at one of the specialist centres in England or by the ‘Right to choose option which is faster.
Your appointment will comprise an online questionnaire, a clinical interview, and the completion of certain validated assessments. This will help your physician know the way these symptoms affect you and the impact they have on your daily life. The clinician will look at your previous experiences as well as your family history. It is important that you provide honest and truthful information.
If the clinician finds that you meet all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD the doctor will be able to provide you with a diagnosis. You will be asked whether you would like to discuss the possibility of taking a medication. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of taking any medication prior to making a decision. This is because the effects of medication can be long-term and may have serious side-effects if not taken properly.
If you decide to use medication, the doctor will provide you with an outline of the treatment and a prescription. You could be prescribed ADHD medication for a long period of time, based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you’ve been suffering from these symptoms for. It is essential to remember that there are other options that aren’t pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama ‘expose’ of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated much controversy especially because it suggests that patients are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate diagnostic tests. We are reticent to say that this does not happen since humans are incredibly inexact and psychiatry is barely a science. If you’re suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting times, it may make sense to pay for an assessment.
